hapless

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s a faithful facsimile—with a singular ingredient absent: the soulful performance of Al Pacino in the central role of the hapless bank robber Sonny.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

A week later they were dominant in going 21-0 ahead against Argentina and then hapless in conceding 33 points in the second half and losing.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

This time her 343rd “charge” is a hapless 87-year old CEO oil tycoon K. J. Boone unwilling to pass over from the “baffling country” of terminal illness toward its “inevitable occurrence.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026

Ellis Genge showed his England quality to help Bristol rout hapless Harlequins 40-14 at Twickenham.

From Barron's • Dec. 20, 2025

It was hard to believe he was the same hapless dreamer who used to walk into walls while reading.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor